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About

The cause of the fire is as yet unknown, but was connected with King Aegon's desire to restore dragons to the Seven Kingdoms. The last years of his reign were consumed by a search for ancient lore about the dragon breeding of Valyria, and it was said that Aegon commissioned journeys to places as far away as Asshai, with the hopes of finding texts and knowledge that had not been preserved in Westeros.[1]

Aftermath

The tragedy that transpired at Summerhall left very few witnesses alive, and those who survived would not speak of it.[1] The death of King Aegon brought Jaehaerys II Targaryen to the throne, but he had to put aside his grief and make immediate plans for the War of the Ninepenny Kings. The young Ser Gerold Hightower became the new Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.[13]

Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, who was born at Summerhall amongst the flames,[2][10] often returned there alone, with not even the Kingsguard for company. He would sleep under the stars in the ruined hall, and would be inspired to compose songs for his harp, about "twilights and tears and the death of kings."[4]

Recent Events

A Storm of Swords

While encamped outside of Yunkai, Arstan Whitebeard tells Daenerys Targaryen that her brother Rhaegar was considered melancholic at times, that he had a sense of doom. Dany recalls that her brother Viserys had spoken of Rhaegar's birth only once, she wonders to herself if perhaps the tale had saddened Viserys too much. Dany asks Arstan if it was the shadow of Summerhall that haunted Rhaegar. Arstan tells her yes, but that Summerhall was the place that the prince loved best.[4]

A Feast for Crows

In Braavos, Maester Aemon mentions to Samwell Tarly that he once thought that Rhaegar could be the prince that was promised due to the smoke from the fire that devoured Summerhall on the day of Rhaegar's birth and the salt from the tears shed for those who died, a reference to the "born amidst salt and smoke" part of the prophecy.[2]

A Dance with Dragons

In Meereen, Daenerys Targaryen asks Ser Barristan Selmy what became of the woods witch who foretold that the prince that was promised would be born from her mother and father's line. Ser Barristan tells her only "Summerhall", in a voice of doom.[11] Later, Barristan thinks of the marital choices of the sons of King Aegon the fifth, which led to treason and turmoil, ending at Summerhall in sorcery, fire, and grief.[5]

Quotes

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Viserys had spoken of Rhaegar's birth only once. Perhaps the tale saddened him him too much.[4]